We're zipping through these gorgeous fall days at lightning speed. In no time, daylight saving time will be over and we'll have to turn on lights in the afternoon and start counting the days until spring.

There are still a lot of vehicles rushing back and forth on the roads. Can they all be Derby-ites and their families? It's difficult to figure out whether it's a good fishing season or not. Dedicated fishermen of course speak only to other dedicated fishermen, and then cautiously. But when information — not necessarily accurate — does leak out that, for instance, someone has caught a HUGE albie at, say, Menemsha, you can be sure that all anglers will swarm to Menemsha Basin by dawn the next day. It often seems that the fishermen have as much fun telling their fishing tales as they do when they're actually fishing. One such tale, circulating a few months ago, involved some fishermen at a popular fishing spot observing huge swells near the shore. Before the fishermen could jostle for position, a full-grown deer swam out of the water and ran off, headed east. Apocryphal? Who knows?

Bill and Zee Gamson are just back from a barge trip in Burgundy, with side trips to lovely medieval towns. Lots of fun all around with a small group of fellow bargers. The weather was perfect. The food and wine were fabulous and they are very fat. Time for a diet!

It's time for all hikers to get ready for the second annual Justin Lord Coleman Memorial hike, starting at the community center at 9 am on Saturday, Oct.15. Watch for more details in next week's column.

Sam Feldman would like everyone to come to the FARM Institute open house next Sunday, Oct. 9 from noon to 4 pm. There will be music by the Cicada band, lots of food, hayrides, sheep shearing, pumpkin carving, and close encounters with farm animals. And it's all free. Take the left fork at Katama to a sign on the right. Turn onto the dirt road until you reach the barn. Mr. Feldman is president of the board of trustees of the farm.

The walking women will meet at 9 am next Thursday, Oct. 13 at Middle Ridge Preserve, on Tea Lane, half a mile off Middle Road. For more information, call Judy Maynes at 508-645-3460.

School principal Diane Gandy reports in her newsletter that beginning of the year spirits are high at the school the theme for this year is "Community and Communications." The younger children are getting to know the habits of their class pet, Elaine, an earthworm, who will star in composting experiments. For some mysterious reason, Elaine is referred to as "he."

Mary Ambulos will share PTO chairmanship with Christina Soulanget. Volunteers for secretary and treasurer are still needed. Anyone interested in serving may call Christina at 508-645-2450.

The new president of the Student Advisory Committee is Sharon Eber, who replaces Patti Poole. Julie Mahoney is tribe representative, and Mike Hebert is community rep. The first meeting of the SAC is October 20 at 5:30 pm at the school.